Osco’s Bad Behavior Continues with Apparent Misrepresentation of Information and Delay in Providing Information to Local 727
Last minute failures to provide information or a blown commitment now and then due to unforeseen circumstances are annoying to be sure. When it happens on a regular basis, however, and particularly by one party, then annoyance turns to antipathy and makes the offending party look ridiculous.
A pattern of broken commitments and delay tactics by Osco has soured the working relationship with Teamsters Local 727 and has made Osco unreliable, all because management refuses to work with the union. Currently, the union has one unfair labor practice charge pending before the National Labor Relations Board, 16 pending arbitrations and multiple grievances pending against the company. In just the last two years, three cases have gone to arbitration, resulting in a union winning record. This litany of what appears to be a complete disregard for the collective bargaining agreement has one common denominator: Osco’s refusal to work with the union in a productive manner.
The latest such occurrence happened Friday, April 21, 2017, when Osco and the union had a previously agreed-upon arbitration hearing date that was scheduled for Monday, April 24, now rescheduled for May 22. Based on the union’s review of documents provided by Osco, it appeared that Osco had misrepresented information to the union and underpaid employees who attended the mandatory meetings Osco held during the most recent contract negotiations. The union requested underlying documents which Osco claimed it could not provide in advance of Monday’s hearing, which left the Parties no choice but to reschedule.
Once again, just like its behavior over new uniforms, Osco did not keep its word and is dragging its feet to cooperate with the union on providing information the union requested. As a result, Osco is facing yet another arbitration which, based on the evidence, could likely be decided in the union’s favor, just as was the case in the recent win concerning the marketing of flu clinics.
“It seems like a delay tactic; it seems like Osco wants to postpone another arbitration win for the union,” said John Coli Jr., President of Local 727. “The union will continue to stay focused and come to the table ready to fight for our members, like the recently sought city and state intervention into pharmacy work rules.”
Despite Osco’s actions, the union continues to put forth settlements to resolve these outstanding issues. Yet Osco continues to play games of delay, which the union believes are calculated and devious.
“When push comes to shove, Osco has clearly shown that it simply does not care about its employees,” Coli said. “While pharmacists come in every day to fulfil their contractual obligations, the company refuses to behave in a similar fashion. It’s pathetic, really.”
If you have questions, contact your Local 727 business representative, Zach Frankenbach, at (847) 696-7500 or [email protected].
Category: Osco, Union News
